Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

The representatives of the local drugs task forces came to the House last week to speak to Members about the kinds of issues they face. They made it clear that, apart from alcohol, the number one substance abuse problem they are dealing with now relates to prescription drugs, including benzodiazepines and the so-called Z drugs. I have been raising this with Government for the past three or four years. What is required is for the Minister to sign new regulations under the Misuse of Drugs Act. This issue was constantly ignored by the last Government. Prescription drugs are being dealt on every street corner in the capital city and in every town and village throughout the country. It is about time we had Government action. Will the Taoiseach take this up with the Minister for Health and ensure action is taken in this area as soon as possible? It is a major problem throughout the country and it has arisen as a result of inaction by the last Government. It needs the Taoiseach's urgent attention.

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